There’s something magical about a dish that practically cooks itself — and Forgotten Chicken is just that kind of recipe. I remember my grandmother making this on chilly Sundays when the house smelled like heaven and the kitchen was filled with laughter. It’s the kind of meal that’s so easy, you almost forget it’s even in the oven.
If you’re craving something warm, creamy, and foolproof, this Forgotten Chicken recipe will become your go-to comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this soul-soothing dinner for four:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 ½ cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
- 1 envelope onion soup mix
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Layer the Ingredients
Evenly spread the uncooked rice in the bottom of the dish. Place the raw chicken breasts on top of the rice.
3. Mix the Soups
In a bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, and water or broth. Pour the mixture over the chicken and rice.
4. Season It
Sprinkle the onion soup mix evenly over the top. Add a little salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that the soups already contain salt.
5. Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes — and here’s the best part: don’t peek! That’s why they call it Forgotten Chicken. Let the magic happen without lifting the lid.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the oven, uncover carefully, and fluff the rice before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.
Why We Love This Forgotten Chicken Recipe
- One-pan magic – Everything cooks together with almost no cleanup.
- Family-friendly – Even picky eaters love this creamy, cozy dish.
- Affordable ingredients – Pantry staples come together beautifully.
- Perfect for meal prep – Leftovers taste just as good the next day.
Tips for the Best Forgotten Chicken
- Use chicken broth instead of water for extra richness.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or frozen peas for a complete meal.
- Swap in different soups like cream of celery or cheddar for a twist.
Can You Make Forgotten Chicken Ahead of Time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything the night before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. Just let the dish sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before baking.
Freezing & Reheating
- Freezing: After baking, cool completely and portion into airtight containers. Freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
Variations to Try
- Cheesy Forgotten Chicken: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the soup mix.
- Spicy twist: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Herb-lover’s version: Mix dried thyme and rosemary into the rice layer.
Final Thoughts
Forgotten Chicken is the kind of recipe that becomes a regular on the dinner table — not just because it’s easy, but because it’s that delicious. There’s something so satisfying about setting it in the oven and letting the aromas fill the house while you focus on other things. Whether you’re feeding a family or craving some nostalgic comfort, this classic dish never disappoints.
Pro Kitchen Tip
Try doubling the recipe in two pans — one for now, one for the freezer. You’ll thank yourself on a busy weeknight.